Specifically, components of the workshop included:

1. Draft Vision Statement
   
   Based on the input from the first workshop, the consultant and waterfront committee crafted a draft “Vision Statement”.  The Vision Statement is a broad, overreaching statement that communicates the community’s vision and values with respect to the lakeshore and the gorges.  Workshop participants were presented with the vision statement and asked to provide feedback. While there was general consensus that the Vision Statement captured the community’s values and vision, some workshop participants suggested that the Vision Statement could be improved by making it shorter. Others felt that elements of the vision statement could be reinforced and/or communicated through a more diverse array of images.
The draft Vision Statement presented at the workshop can be viewed here.


2. Vision Map, Draft Concepts and Plans
   
   An overall Vision Map was developed and presented at the workshop.  The Vision Map illustrates key geographic and landscape features of the towns, and on a broad level, sets forth ideas and approaches for the different aspects of the towns’ waterfront resources, namely the lakefront, the gorges (20-Mile Creek and Chautauqua Creek), and the Route 5 corridor. Broadly speaking, the Vision Map sets forth a goal of preserving the unique and special qualities of the lakeshore and gorges, including the rural, agricultural character of Route 5, while strategically identifying areas for growth and improvement, including Barcelona Harbor.
   
   In addition to the Vision Map, a series of conceptual drawings and plans were presented to visually represent ideas for the lakefront areas, namely Ripley Beach and Barcelona Harbor.  The intent of these conceptual drawings is to illustrate principals and concepts, rather than a blueprint for construction. The general theme of the concepts and ideas focused on improving public access and enjoyment in these key areas, with a focus on retaining the natural character of Ripley Beach and making Barcelona Harbor a more active, attractive and vibrant place to visit and experience.

The draft Vision Map presented at the workshop can be viewed here.

A conceptual area plan for Ripley Beach can be viewed here.

A conceptual area plan for Barcelona Harbor can be viewed here.

A series of conceptual projects or improvements for the Barcelona Harbor area were also presented and can be viewed here.


3. Breakout Groups
   
   Following presentation of the conceptual Vision Map, Ripley Beach and Barcelona Harbor Focus Area Plans, and the conceptual Barcelona Harbor projects and improvements, workshop participants separated out into smaller breakout groups to discuss before reconvening and sharing.  By and large, workshop participants were supportive and enthusiastic with respect to the ideas presented, while at the same time offering additional comments and suggestions during the breakout group discussions and group discussion after the breakout groups reconvened.
   
   Discussion notes from each of the breakout groups were recorded and can be viewed here.
   
   
4. Priority Discussion
   
   The workshop concluded with a group discussion on priorities and next steps.  There was almost unanimous agreement that Barcelona Harbor could become a more vibrant, attractive resource, building upon its current strengths. However, in order for this to happen, the harbor would need to be dredged and new and improved water and sewer utilities would need to be provided to the harbor area. Aside from this, many felt that shorter term improvements such as landscaping and signage, were feasible, and a good first step. An additional comment was made that the history of the area, particularly with respect to Portage Road and the upcoming 200 year anniversary of the War of 1812, should be central to any future improvement plans. Lastly, the importance of involving local elected officials and representatives was stressed, particularly to help with such efforts as the dredging of the harbor.
   
   A PDF version of the slide presentation shown at the workshop can be viewed here (note this file is 8.5 MB and some features of the presentation, such as animations, will not be viewable in PDF format).
   
   To view photos from the workshop click here
   
   The next step in the project is to compile a draft Waterfront Opportunity Plan for public review and comment.  Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the draft plan, as well as a third and final public meeting at which the plan will be presented to the public for review and comment.

Workshop Overview

The second of three public workshops, hosted by the Westfield-Ripley Waterfront Committee, occurred on April 25, 2007. The main focus of the workshop was to focus in on key opportunity areas and resources that were identified at the prior workshop, with a particular emphasis on Barcelona Harbor and Ripley Beach.

Despite a Sabres play-off match against the Rangers the same evening, workshop attendance was robust, with approximately 65 members of the public participating. As with the first workshop, participants hailed from both Ripley and Westfield and brought to the table a wide range of viewpoints and interests, including those of the Ripley 12^th grade Government Class, accompanied by their teacher, Rhonda Thompson.

Workshop participants were treated to a display of student art projects with a lakeshore theme, created under the guidance of Ripley art teacher, and artist in his own right, Gary Whipple.

Refreshments were provided by Meeders Restaurant and the Growers’ Co-Op of Westfield.

Door prizes consisted of a gift certificate for dinner at Meeders Restaurant and two one-gallon jugs of locally grown grape juice provided by the Growers’ Co-Op of Westfield.

Detailed Workshop Summary

The first part of the workshop consisted of a presentation by the consultant that featured concept drawings and plans for projects and improvements at Ripley Beach and Barcelona Harbor, as well as an overall “Vision Map” for both Ripley and Westfield.  Following the presentation, workshop participants divided into small break-out groups to discuss the plan concepts and ideas in more detail and provide feedback.  

Another main element of the presentation was an exploration of successful waterfront approaches in three “case study” communities: Wilson, NY; Pittsford, NY; and Canandaigua, NY.  Images and information from each community were presented.  Ideas and approaches from these communities that could by applied to Ripley and Westfield were discussed.

The workshop concluded with a group discussion on priorities and next steps.  There was almost universal consensus that dredging Barcelona Harbor and providing adequate water and sewer would be critical to any future plans for the harbor and immediate area.